IR 05000188/2024201
| ML24157A109 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | |
| Issue date: | 07/11/2024 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Cebula A Kansas State University |
| References | |
| IR 2024201 | |
| Download: ML24157A109 (1) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000188/2024201
Dear Dr. Cebula:
From May 20-22, 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the Kansas State University Nuclear Reactor Facility. The enclosed report presents the results of that inspection, which were discussed on May 22, 2024, with you and members of your staff.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspector reviewed selected procedures and records, observed various activities, and interviewed personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of significance were identified. No response to this letter is required.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of the NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).July 11, 2024 If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Juan Arellano at (301) 415-0477, or by email at Juan.Arellano@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Travis L. Tate, Chief Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility Oversight Branch Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-188 License No. R-88 Enclosure:
As stated cc w/enclosure: GovDelivery Subscribers Signed by Tate, Travis on 07/11/24
ML24157A109 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME JArellano NParker TTate DATE 06/06/2024 06/06/2024 07/11/2024
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.: 50-188
License No.: R-88
Report No: 05000188/2024201
Licensee: Kansas State University
Facility: Kansas State Nuclear Reactor Facility
Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Dates: May 20-22, 2024
Inspector: Juan Arellano
Accompanied by: Andrew Miller
Approved by: Travis L. Tate, Chief Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility Oversight Branch Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosure EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Kansas State University Kansas State Nuclear Reactor Facility Inspection Report No. 05000188/2024201
The primary focus of this routine announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the Kansas State University (KSU, the licensees) Class II research reactor facility safety program, including: (1) organization and staffing; (2) operations logs and records; (3) requalification training; (4) surveillance and limiting conditions for operation (LCO);
(5) emergency planning; (6) maintenance logs and records; and (7) fuel handling logs and records. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined that the licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with NRC requirements.
Organization and Staffing
- The inspector determined that the organization and staffing were in compliance with the technical specification (TS) requirements.
Operations Logs and Records
- The inspector determined that the operations logs and records were maintained in accordance with the applicable TS and the licensees procedural requirements.
Requalification Training
- The inspector determined that due to the reactor being in extended shutdown, licensed operators ceased licensed activities and the facility submitted an exemption from certain requirements in 10 CFR 55.59.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
- The inspector determined that surveillances were conducted and LCO were maintained in accordance with TS requirements.
Emergency Planning
- The inspector determined that the emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the emergency plan.
Maintenance Logs and Records
- The inspector determined that the maintenance activities were performed and documented in accordance with TS requirements.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
- The inspector determined that the fuel movements and inspections were conducted in accordance with TS and the licensees procedural requirements.
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REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The KSU, 1,250-kilowatt Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics (TRIGA) Mark II research reactor is used in support of the Universitys academic program in nuclear engineering laboratory instruction and research. The reactor has not operated since the fourth quarter of 2021 due to ongoing fuel maintenance.
1. Organization and Staffing
a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001, Section 02.01)
To ensure that the requirements of TS 6.1 were met, the inspector reviewed the following:
- operations logbook dated November 2, 2021 - April 29, 2024
- operations logbook dated April 30, 2024 - present
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that since the previous NRC inspection there were no personnel changes made to the organization as outlined by TS 6.1(a). The inspector found that there was a call list that contained the current names and contact information for management, operations, radiation safety, and other support personnel. The inspector found that staffing was consistent with TS 6.1(c).
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the licensees organization and staffing were in compliance with the requirements specified in the TSs.
2. Operations Logs and Records
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.02)
To ensure that the requirements of TS 6.8 were met, the inspector reviewed the following:
- operations logbook dated November 2, 2021 - April 29, 2024
- operations logbook dated April 30, 2024 - present
- select startup and shutdown checklists performed from 2022 - present
- reactor management order (SOM) 1, Operational Limits and Special Administrative Controls, dated October 7, 2019
- SOM 3, Log Keeping, dated February 10, 2017
- condition/limit log
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that logbook entries were maintained in accordance with approved facility procedures. The inspector found that TS items were entered in the console
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logbook, including the names of licensed operators during reactor operations, location of fuel during movement, changes in reactor power and operations, and maintenance items as required by facility procedures.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the licensees logbook entries and records were maintained as required by facility procedures and TSs.
3. Requalification Training
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.04)
To ensure the requirements of the requalification program were met, the inspector reviewed the following selected aspects of the requalification program:
- operator requalification reports performed from 2021 - present
- medical examinations for operators
- operator licenses for select individuals
- REQUALIFICATION PROGRAM Kansas State University TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor Facility, dated September 11, 2002
- operator written examinations from 2020 - present
- operator operations examinations from 2020
- operations logbook dated January 24, 2020 - January 21, 2021
- operations logbook dated November 2, 2021 - April 29, 2024
- operations logbook dated April 30, 2024 - present
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that there were three senior reactor operators licensed at the KSU facility. Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 55.53(h), states The licensee shall complete a requalification program as described by 55.59. The inspector found that due to the KSU reactor not being operated since the fourth quarter of 2021, KSU operators could not perform certain activities required to meet the regulations and NRC-approved requalification and training program. The inspector was informed by the licensee that the operators had ceased licensed activities. On March 7, 2024, KSU submitted an exemption from requirements in 10 CFR 55.59 (ADAMS Accession No.
ML24085A808) for the licensed operators. The inspector found that operator medical examinations were completed every 2 years as required by the regulations. The inspector found that the exemption request submitted by the licensee seeks authorization for approval to exempt the licensed operators from compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR 55.59 due to the reactor being in an extended shut down.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that due to the reactor being in extended shutdown, licensed operators ceased licensed activities and the facility submitted an exemption from certain requirements in 10 CFR 55.59. The inspector determined that the medical evaluations were completed in accordance with regulatory requirements.
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4. Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.05)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with TS 3, and to determine if surveillance tests were performed as required by TS 4:
- select startup and shutdown checklists performed from 2022 - present
- select surveillance reports performed from 2022 - present
- procedure number 3, Annual Remote Area Monitor, dated March 14, 2008
- remote area monitor records performed 2021 - present
- continuous air monitor calibration performed records 2021 - present
- exhaust plenum monitor records performed 2021 - present
- Water Temperature Inspection, Test, and Calibration Report, performed from 2022
- present
- Differential Pressure Gauge Calibration Report, performed from 2021 - present
- rod drop time records
- procedure number 28, Thermal Channel Calibration, dated March 14, 2008
- analysis report revision 1 dated October 1999
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that surveillance tests were completed as required by the TSs and LCO verifications were completed on schedule and in accordance with the licensees procedures.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the surveillances were conducted and LCO were maintained in accordance with TS requirements.
5. Emergency Planning
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.10)
The inspector reviewed the following selected portions of the licensees emergency preparedness program to verify compliance with Appendix E, Emergency Planning and Preparedness for Production and Utilization Facilities, to 10 CFR, Part 50, Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities, and the licensees emergency plan:
- "Emergency Plan and Emergency Plan Procedures Kansas State University TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor Facility," dated December 5, 2016
- emergency plan procedure (EPP) 2, Emergency Notification List, dated November 30, 2023
- emergency equipment inventories for second quarter 2022 to the present
- select surveillance reports performed from 2022 - present
- emergency drill documentation dated February 9, 2024
- emergency exercise scenario documentation dated November 11, 2022
- emergency drill documentation dated August 11, 2022
- agreements from outside agencies from 2021 - present
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b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that the emergency plan training was conducted, drills were performed, and emergency response call lists were maintained and posted as required by the emergency plan and licensee procedures. The inspector toured the facility and verified items were in place as specified by the emergency plan. The inspector also inventoried the emergency cart to verify it was maintained as required by the emergency plan. The inspector visited Kansas State University Police Department and observed the performance of a weekly security intrusion alarm as required by the emergency plan.
The inspector also reviewed documentation of weekly security tests performed since the last inspection.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the emergency plan.
6. Maintenance Logs and Records
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.11)
The inspector reviewed the following selected maintenance logs and records to verify compliance with the requirements of TSs:
- operations logbook dated November 2, 2021 - April 29, 2024
- operations logbook dated April 30, 2024 - present
- "PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NUCLEAR REACTOR FACILITY," dated April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023
- procedure number 1, Biennial Control Rod Inspection, dated February 3, 2012
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that the scheduled and unscheduled preventive and corrective maintenance activities were performed and documented in accordance with TS requirements and the licensees administrative procedures.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the maintenance activities were performed and documented in accordance with TS requirements.
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7. Fuel Handling Logs and Records
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.12)
The inspector reviewed the following fuel handling logs and activities to verify compliance with TS 3.7, 4.7, 5.1, and 5.2 requirements:
- operations logbook dated November 2, 2021 - April 29, 2024
- operations logbook dated April 30, 2024 - present
- Work Instructions for Installation and Operation of Kansas State University Ultrasonic Cleaning Equipment, dated November 17, 2023
- TRIGA Fuel Erosion Testing Summary, dated November 18, 2023
- KSU Fuel Inspection and Cleaning 20230601
- fuel inspection videos
- procedure number 10, Fuel Element Inspection, dated April 7, 2011
- procedure number 30, Fuel Element Cleaning and Inspection, dated November 29, 2023
- fuel element inspection core III-11
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that the fuel inspection and movement activities were documented and performed in accordance with TS requirements and the licensees procedural requirements. The inspector observed that the fresh fuel elements in storage and the irradiated fuel elements in storage racks aligned with the location of fuel elements documented in the logbooks, reactor core map, and fuel binder.
On July 6, 2022, the NRC opened IFI 05000188/2022201-01 due to the licensees actions to resolve the problem of removing corrosion from the affected fuel elements and resuming reactor operations (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System Accession No. ML22151A174). The inspector found that the licensee completed tests and identified ultrasonic cleaning as the method to remove corrosion from the fuel elements. The inspector observed the equipment that would be used to clean the fuel elements and was instructed on the process during a reactor tour. The inspector found a procedure was written to implement the process. The inspector verified the process and procedure was reviewed and approved by the RSC before implementation. The licensee began cleaning fuel elements in the first quarter of 2024, however, due to the need to resolve the licensed operator requalification requirements issue discussed in section 3 Requalification Training above, the licensee placed all fuel cleaning and movement activities on hold. Due to the fact that the fuel corrosion issue is not resolved, the licensee was informed that the resolution of the corrosion removal problem would continue to be evaluated by the NRC as IFI 05000188/2022201-01. This issue is considered open.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the fuel movements and inspections were conducted and recorded in accordance with TS and the licensees procedural requirements.
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8. Exit Interview
The inspection scope and results were summarized on May 22, 2024, with members of licensee management and staff. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection results. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection.
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PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee KSU Nuclear Reactor Facility Manager R. Seymour Reactor Supervisor
Other Personnel
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened:
None
Closed:
None
Discussed:
05000188/2022201-01 Inspector Follow-Up Item on the licensees actions to resolve the problem of removing corrosion from the affected fuel elements and resuming reactor operations.
Attachment